US10966465B2 - Non-combustion-type flavor inhaler, method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Non-combustion-type flavor inhaler, method, program, and recording medium Download PDF

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Publication number
US10966465B2
US10966465B2 US16/104,051 US201816104051A US10966465B2 US 10966465 B2 US10966465 B2 US 10966465B2 US 201816104051 A US201816104051 A US 201816104051A US 10966465 B2 US10966465 B2 US 10966465B2
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unit
generator
resistance value
resistor
combustion
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US20180352864A1 (en
Inventor
Manabu Takeuchi
Takuma Nakano
Manabu Yamada
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Japan Tobacco Inc
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Japan Tobacco Inc
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Assigned to JAPAN TOBACCO INC. reassignment JAPAN TOBACCO INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NAKANO, TAKUMA, TAKEUCHI, MANABU, YAMADA, MANABU
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
    • A24F47/008—
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/10—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/16—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/167—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of tobacco substitutes in liquid or vaporisable form, e.g. liquid compositions for electronic cigarettes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
    • A24D1/002—Cigars; Cigarettes with additives, e.g. for flavouring
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F47/00—Smokers' requisites not otherwise provided for
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F7/00—Mouthpieces for pipes; Mouthpieces for cigar or cigarette holders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/06—Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/50—Testing of electric apparatus, lines, cables or components for short-circuits, continuity, leakage current or incorrect line connections
    • G01R31/66—Testing of connections, e.g. of plugs or non-disconnectable joints
    • G01R31/68—Testing of releasable connections, e.g. of terminals mounted on a printed circuit board
    • G01R31/69—Testing of releasable connections, e.g. of terminals mounted on a printed circuit board of terminals at the end of a cable or a wire harness; of plugs; of sockets, e.g. wall sockets or power sockets in appliances
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler provided with a generator that generates an inhalant ingredient from an inhalant ingredient source by electric power without combustion, a method for detecting a connection related to the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler, a program for executing the method, and a recording medium.
  • Patent Literature 1 discloses a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler that includes a main body unit and a capsule unit detachably connected to the main body unit.
  • the main body unit includes an aerosol generation source that generates aerosol, an atomization unit that atomizes the aerosol generation source without combustion, and an electric power source that supplies electric power to the atomization unit.
  • the capsule unit includes a flavor source that generates a flavor to be inhaled by a user.
  • Patent Literature 1 International Publication No. 2015/046385
  • a first feature is a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler comprising: a first unit including a battery configured to store electric power, a generator configured to generate an inhalant ingredient from an inhalant ingredient source by electric power provided from the battery, and a controller configured to electrically control the generator; a second unit configured to detachably connect to the first unit; and a resistor configured to conductively connect to the generator by parallel connection or serial connection when the second unit is connected to the first unit.
  • the controller is configured to detect a connection between the first unit and the second unit based on a difference between an electric resistance value of the generator and a combined resistance value of the generator and the resistor.
  • the second feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the first feature, wherein the generator of the first unit includes an aerosol source configured to generate aerosol, and the second unit includes a flavor source configured to generate flavor.
  • the third feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the second feature, wherein the aerosol source is a liquid at ordinary temperatures, and the flavor source is a solid at ordinary temperatures.
  • the fourth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the second feature or the third feature, wherein the aerosol source contains polyhydric alcohol, and the flavor source contains a plant material.
  • the fifth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the fourth feature, wherein the controller is configured to perform control of an amount of electric power to supply to the generator or notification control of a notification means provided in the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler, after detecting a connection between the first unit and the second unit.
  • the sixth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the fifth feature, wherein an electrical resistance value of the generator is different from an electrical resistance value of the resistor.
  • the seventh feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the sixth feature, further comprising an electrical path configured to electrically connect the resistor and the generator in parallel, wherein a part of the electrical path is provided in the second unit, and in the electrical path, the resistor is provided on the second unit side of the generator.
  • the eighth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the seventh feature, wherein the resistor is provided in the second unit.
  • the ninth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the seventh feature of the eighth feature, wherein a ratio of the electrical resistance value of the resistor with respect to the electrical resistance value of the generator is 5 to 100.
  • the tenth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the sixth feature, further comprising an electrical path configured to electrically connect the generator and the resistor in series, wherein a part of the electrical path is provided in the second unit, and the resistor is provided in the second unit.
  • the eleventh feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the tenth feature, wherein a ratio of the electrical resistance value of the resistor with respect to the electrical resistance value of the generator is 0.01 to 0.25.
  • the twelfth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the tenth feature or the eleventh feature, further comprising a third unit configured to detachably connect to the first unit when the second unit is not attached to the first unit, the third unit being not a detection target, wherein when the second unit is not attached to the first unit, the electrical path on the first unit side is opened at a pair of electric terminals, and the third unit is configured to cause the pair of electric terminals to conductively connect with each other with an electrical resistance value smaller than an electrical resistance value of the resistor.
  • the thirteenth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the twelfth feature, wherein the generator includes a resistance heating element.
  • the fourteenth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the thirteenth feature, further comprising a known resistor configured to electrically connect to the generator and the resistor in series, the known resistor having a known electrical resistance value, wherein the controller is configured to estimate the combined resistance value using an electrical resistance value of the known resistor.
  • the fifteenth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the second feature to the fourth feature, wherein the resistor is segmented from a retainer retaining the flavor source.
  • the sixteenth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the second feature to the fourth feature, and the fifteenth feature, wherein the resistor does not substantially contribute to aerosol generating from the flavor source.
  • the seventeenth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the second feature, the fourth feature, the fifteenth feature, and the sixteenth feature, wherein the resistor does not substantially contribute to heating of the flavor source.
  • the eighteenth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the seventeenth feature, wherein the first unit includes an information source configured to hold an electrical resistance value of the generator or identification information correlated with an electrical resistance value of the generator.
  • the nineteenth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the eighteenth feature, wherein the controller is configured to prohibit electric power supply to the generator when a difference between the combined resistance value and an electrical resistance value of the generator is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold.
  • the twentieth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the nineteenth feature, wherein the first unit includes a generation unit and a battery unit, the generation unit including at least the generator, the battery unit including at least the battery, and the generation unit is configured to detachably connect to the battery unit.
  • the first unit includes a generation unit and a battery unit, the generation unit including at least the generator, the battery unit including at least the battery, and the generation unit is configured to detachably connect to the battery unit.
  • the twenty first feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the twentieth feature, wherein the generation unit includes a first electrode electrically connected to a cathode of the battery and a second electrode electrically connected to an anode of the battery, and the generator and the resistor are electrically connected to the battery via the first electrode and the second electrode.
  • the twenty second feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the twenty first feature, wherein the generation unit includes a third electrode electrically connected to the cathode of the battery, and memory storing information indicating the electrical resistance value of the generator, and the memory is electrically connected to the battery via the third electrode and the second electrode.
  • the twenty third feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the twenty second feature, wherein the second unit includes a mouthpiece.
  • the twenty fourth feature is the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the twenty third feature, further comprising: a first electric current path configured to generate the inhalant ingredient from the inhalant ingredient source; a second electric current path configured to measure an electrical resistance value of the generator, or a combined resistance value of the generator and the resistor; and a switch means configured to be switchable between the first electric current path and the second electric current path for selectively flowing an electric current therethrough.
  • the twenty fifth feature is a method for detecting a connection of a first unit and a second unit in a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler that comprise the first unit and the second unit, the first unit including a generator configured to generate an inhalant ingredient from an inhalant ingredient source, the second unit detachably connecting to the first unit, the method comprising: detecting a connection between the first unit and the second unit based on a difference between an electrical resistance value of the generator and a combined resistance value of the generator and a resistor conductively connected in parallel or in series to the generator when the second unit is connected to the first unit.
  • the twenty sixth feature is a program that causes a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler to execute the method according to the twenty fifth feature.
  • the twenty seventh feature is a recording medium that stores a program for executing the method according to the twenty fifth feature.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a generation unit according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electric circuit provided in the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electric circuit provided in a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electric circuit provided in a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the third unit used instead of the second unit in the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electric circuit provided in a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an electric circuit provided in a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according a fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the fifth embodiment.
  • Patent Literature 1 Regarding the technique described in Patent Literature 1, there is an increasing demand for the improvement in usability in market.
  • a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler comprising: a first unit including a battery configured to store electric power, a generator configured to generate an inhalant ingredient from an inhalant ingredient source by electric power provided from the battery, and a controller configured to electrically control the generator; a second unit configured to detachably connect to the first unit; and a resistor configured to conductively connect to the generator by parallel connection or serial connection when the second unit is connected to the first unit.
  • the controller is configured to detect a connection between the first unit and the second unit based on a difference between an electric resistance value of the generator and a combined resistance value of the generator and the resistor.
  • the controller detects a connection between a first unit and a second unit based on a difference between a combined resistance value of a generator and a resistor and a resistance value of the generator. Therefore, for example, it is possible to change an amount of electric power to be supplied to the generator depending on presence or absence of the connection of the second unit, and stop electric power supply to the generator when the second unit is not connected to the first unit.
  • the resistor used to detect the connection of the second unit is connected to the generator in parallel or in series. Therefore, a part of an electric circuit from the battery and/or the controller to the resistor can be shared with an electric circuit that supplies electric power to the generator.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a generation unit forming the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler 100 .
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electric circuit provided in the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler 100 is a device with which a user inhales an inhalant ingredient (a flavor ingredient) without combustion.
  • the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler 100 may have a shape extending along a predetermined direction A that is a direction toward a mouthpiece end E 1 from a non-mouthpiece end E 2 .
  • the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler 100 may be simply referred to as a flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the flavor inhaler 100 includes a first unit 110 and a second unit 130 .
  • the first unit 110 is detachably connected to the second unit 130 . More specifically, the first unit 110 includes a cylindrical body 110 X, and the second unit 130 is detachably connected to a mouthpiece end of the cylindrical body 110 X.
  • the first unit 110 includes a battery 40 in which electric power is stored, a generator 111 A that generates the inhalant ingredient from the inhalant ingredient source by electric power supplied from the battery 40 , and a controller 51 that electrically controls the generator 111 A.
  • the first unit 110 may be separated into a generation unit 111 that includes at least the generator 111 A, and a battery unit 112 that includes at least the battery 40 .
  • the generation unit 111 is detachably connected to the battery unit 112 .
  • the controller 51 is provided in the battery unit 112 . Alternatively, the controller 51 may be provided in the generation unit 112 .
  • the battery unit 112 includes a cylindrical body 112 X that forms a part of the cylindrical body 110 X.
  • the battery 40 and the controller 51 are housed in the cylindrical body 112 X.
  • the battery 40 may be, for example, a lithium ion battery.
  • the controller 51 includes, for example, a CPU and memory. The electric circuit provided in the flavor inhaler 100 will be described below (see FIG. 3 ).
  • the battery unit 112 includes an air vent 112 A. Air introduced through the air vent 112 A is guided to the generation unit 111 as illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • the battery unit 112 may have a sensor 20 that detects inhalation action by a user.
  • the sensor 20 includes a capacitor, for example, and outputs a value indicating electric capacity of the capacitor in accordance with a differential pressure caused by the inhalation.
  • the value may be a voltage value.
  • generators may be used as the generator 111 A forming the generation unit 111 that generates an inhalant ingredient from the inhalant ingredient source.
  • the generator 111 A may generate aerosol as an inhalant ingredient from an aerosol source as an inhalant ingredient source.
  • the generation unit 111 includes the cylindrical body 111 X that forms a part of the cylindrical body 110 X.
  • the generator 111 A includes a reservoir 111 P, a wick 111 Q, and a resistor 111 R.
  • the reservoir 111 P, the wick 111 Q, and the resistor 111 R are housed in the cylindrical body 111 X.
  • the reservoir 111 P retains the aerosol source.
  • the reservoir 111 P is a porous body formed by, for example, materials like a resin web.
  • the wick 111 Q is an example of a liquid hold member bolding the aerosol source supplied from the reservoir 111 P.
  • the wick 111 Q is formed by, for example, glass fiber.
  • the resistor 111 R may be a resistance heating element.
  • the resistance heating element atomizes the aerosol source held by the wick 111 Q.
  • the resistance heating element is formed by a resistance heating element wound around the wick 111 Q at a predetermined pitch (e.g., heating wire).
  • the aerosol source may be a liquid at ordinary temperatures.
  • the aerosol source may be, for example, polyhydric alcohol.
  • the polyhydric alcohol desirably at least one compound selected from a group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, and sorbitol.
  • the aerosol source is held by, for example, a porous body formed by materials like a resin web.
  • the porous body may be made of a non-tobacco material or may be made of a tobacco material.
  • the aerosol source may contain nicotine. Alternatively, the aerosol source does not contain nicotine.
  • the aerosol source may contain ingredients other than nicotine. Alternatively, the aerosol source does not contain ingredients other than nicotine.
  • the second unit 130 is connectable to the first unit 110 that forms the flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the second unit 130 is provided farther toward the mouthpiece side than the generation unit 111 .
  • the second unit 130 does not necessarily have to be provided farther toward the mouthpiece side than the generation unit 111 physically and spatially.
  • the second unit 130 may be detachably connected to the mouthpiece end side of the first unit 110 .
  • the second unit 130 includes a cylindrical body 131 , a flavor source 132 , a mesh 133 A, and a filter 133 B.
  • the cylindrical body 131 has a cylindrical shape extending in the predetermined direction A.
  • the cylindrical body 131 includes a retainer 134 that retains the flavor source 132 .
  • the flavor source 132 is provided farther toward the mouthpiece than the generation unit 111 on a flow path of air inhaled from the mouthpiece.
  • the flavor source 132 applies a flavor ingredient to the aerosol generated in the aerosol source of the generation unit 111 .
  • the flavor to be applied to the aerosol by the flavor source 132 is carried to the mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the flavor source 132 is a solid at ordinary temperatures.
  • the ordinary temperatures in the present invention are in the range of from 5 to 35 degrees. C. according to JIS Z 8703.
  • the flavor source 132 is a plant material.
  • the flavor source 132 is formed by material pieces of a plant material that provides a flavor ingredient to the aerosol.
  • the size of the material piece is preferably equal to or greater than 0.2 mm and equal to or smaller than 1.2 mm. Further, the size of the material piece is preferably equal to or greater than 0.2 mm and equal to or smaller than 0.7 mm. The smaller the size of the material pieces forming the flavor source 132 , the larger a specific surface area becomes. Therefore, the flavor ingredient is more easily released from the pieces of materials forming the flavor source 132 .
  • the amount of the pieces of the flavor ingredient can be reduced.
  • a compact formed by molding a tobacco material e.g., cut tobacco and a tobacco raw material, in a granular form may be used.
  • the flavor source 132 may be a compact in which a tobacco material is pressed as a sheet.
  • the raw material pieces forming the flavor source 132 may be formed by plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herb). Flavors, e.g., menthol may be applied to the flavor source 132 .
  • a mesh 133 A is provided to block an opening of the cylindrical body 131 on the non-mouthpiece side with respect to the flavor source 132 .
  • a filter 133 B is provided to block an opening of the cylindrical body 131 on the mouthpiece side with respect to the flavor source 132 .
  • the mesh 133 A has a degree of coarseness that the raw material pieces forming the flavor source 132 do not pass through the mesh 133 A.
  • the apertures of the mesh 133 A are, for example, equal to or greater than 0.077 mm and equal to or smaller than 0.198.
  • the filter 133 B is formed by a material having ventilation.
  • the filter 133 B is desirably an acetate filter, for example.
  • the filter 133 B has a degree of coarseness that the raw material pieces forming the flavor source 132 do not pass through the filter 133 B.
  • the second unit 130 includes a resistor 300 described below.
  • An electrical resistance value of the resistor 300 may be different from an electrical resistance value of the generator 111 A and, in particular, may be smaller than the electrical resistance value of the generator 111 A.
  • the resistor 300 does not substantially contribute to heating of the flavor source 132 .
  • the resistor 300 is segmented by the retainer 134 retaining the flavor source 132 .
  • the resistor 300 may be provided in contact with the cylindrical body 131 as illustrated in FIG. 2 or, alternatively, may be positioned physically separated from the cylindrical body 131 .
  • the resistor 300 may be coated with an insulating material. Therefore, even if the resistor 300 generates heat, the heat generated in the resistor 300 is not easily transferred to the flavor source 132 .
  • the cylindrical body 131 may be made of, for example, a non-metallic substance or a resin material.
  • the resin material may be, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyetheretherketone.
  • Thermal conductivity of the cylindrical body 131 is preferably equal to or less than 1 W/(m ⁇ K), and more preferably equal to or less than 0.5 W/(m ⁇ K).
  • the resistor 300 is provided separately from the cylindrical body 131 .
  • the resistor 300 may be integrated with the cylindrical body 131 that contains the flavor source. That is, the cylindrical body 131 itself may be made of a material that functions as the resistor 300 having a predetermined electrical resistance value.
  • the battery unit 112 includes electric terminals 200 a and 200 b to be electrically connected to the generation unit 111 .
  • the generation unit 111 includes electric terminals 201 a and 201 b to be electrically connected to the battery unit 112 .
  • the electric terminal 201 a includes a first electrode to be electrically connected to an anode of the battery 40 .
  • the electric terminal 201 b includes a second electrode electrically connected to the anode of the battery.
  • the generation unit 111 includes electric terminals 202 a and 202 b with which the generation unit 111 is electrically connected to the second unit 130 .
  • the second unit 130 includes electric terminal 203 a and 203 b with which the second unit 130 is electrically connected to the generation unit 111 .
  • the electric terminals 201 a and 201 b and the electric terminals 202 a and 202 b are electrically connected to each other.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 includes the resistor 300 that is conductively connected to the generator 111 A in parallel when the second unit 130 is connected to the first unit 110 .
  • the flavor inhaler 100 includes an electrical path 302 that electrically connects the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 in parallel, and a part of the electrical path 302 is provided in the second unit 130 .
  • the resistor 300 is provided on the second unit 130 side of the generator 111 A on the electrical path 302 .
  • electric terminals 202 a , 202 b , 203 a , and 203 b which electrically connect the first unit 110 to the second unit 130 are provided on the electrical path 302 on which the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 are electrically connected in parallel.
  • the resistor 300 is provided in the second unit 130 . Since the resistor 300 is connected in parallel with the generator 111 A, a voltage substantially equal to a voltage value to be applied to the generator 111 A (V IN ⁇ V OUT ) is applied to the resistor 300 .
  • the flavor inhaler 100 may include a known resistor 310 that is electrically connected to the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 in series and has a known electrical resistance value.
  • the known resistor 310 is desirably provided in the battery unit 112 .
  • a voltage equivalent to a difference between an output voltage V OUT of the generator 111 A and a ground electrode is applied to the known resistor 310 .
  • the controller 51 detects a connection between the first unit 110 and the second unit 130 based on a difference between a combined resistance value Rc of the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 and the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A.
  • the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit to be connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b of the battery unit 112 is substantially the same as the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A.
  • an electrical resistance value of an electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b of the battery unit 112 is substantially the combined resistance value Rc ( ⁇ R 1 ) of the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A and an electrical resistance value R 2 of the resistor 300 . Therefore, the controller 51 can detect whether the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 based on a difference between the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A and the combined resistance value Rc.
  • the controller 51 can detect whether the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 in the following manner. First, when the second unit 130 is not connected to the first unit 110 , the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A. The electrical resistance value R 1 is stored in the memory of the controller 51 . The controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b at predetermined timing. When the second unit 130 is connected to the first unit 110 , the electrical resistance value becomes the combined resistance value Rc ( ⁇ R 1 ). When the controller 51 detects an electrical resistance value smaller than the electrical resistance value R 1 , the controller 51 determines that the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 . In consideration of measurement accuracy of the electrical resistance value, the controller 51 may determine that the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 when the controller 51 detects an electrical resistance value sufficiently smaller than the electrical resistance value R 1 .
  • the timing at which the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b is desirably the timing at which a user performs an inhalation action. That is, the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value when the sensor 20 detects an inhalation action.
  • the controller 51 may measure the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b when a user presses a switch, e.g., a button, for driving the generator 111 A.
  • the controller 51 may measure the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b , at each predetermined time interval.
  • the controller 51 may measure the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b when a mode is switched from a sleep mode (an electric power-saving mode) in which no electric conduction of the generator 111 A is allowed to a ready mode in which the generator 111 A is controllable. Switching from the sleep mode to the ready mode is executed when, for example, the button is pressed for predetermined time or longer in the sleep mode, or when an inhalation action of a specific pattern is performed by a user in the sleep mode (e.g., the user inhales about two seconds for three times in predetermined time).
  • a sleep mode an electric power-saving mode
  • Switching from the sleep mode to the ready mode is executed when, for example, the button is pressed for predetermined time or longer in the sleep mode, or when an inhalation action of a specific pattern is performed by a user in the sleep mode (e.g., the user inhales about two seconds for three times in predetermined time).
  • the controller 51 may measure the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b at timing at which an action for the user authentication is performed.
  • the user authentication may be performed by, for example, detecting characteristics of the inhalation action by the user by the sensor 20 .
  • the user authentication method is not limited to that described in this example.
  • the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A is substantially calculated from the equation above. Further, when the second unit 130 is connected to the first unit 110 , the combined resistance value Rc is substantially calculated from the equation above.
  • the controller 51 desirably estimates the combined resistance value Rc by using the electrical resistance value R 3 of the known resistor 310 .
  • the arrangement of the known resistor 310 illustrated in FIG. 3 is an example.
  • the known resistor 310 may be arranged at an arbitrary point on the electric circuit if the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A, and the combined resistance value Rc of the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 are measurable.
  • the electrical resistance value R 3 of the known resistor 310 may be in a range from 10 m ⁇ to 100 m ⁇ .
  • a ratio of the electrical resistance value R 2 of the resistor 300 with respect to the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A is preferably equal to or smaller than 100, and more preferably equal to or smaller than 50.
  • a ratio of the electrical resistance value R 2 of the resistor 300 with respect to the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A is preferably equal to or greater than 5, and more preferably equal to or greater than 10.
  • the controller 51 may perform control of the amount of electric power supplied to the generator 111 A or notification control of a notification means provided in the non-combustion-type flavor inhaler.
  • the notification means may be, for example, a light-emitting element, a voice and sound output device, and a sense feedback device like Haptics.
  • a sense feedback device When a sense feedback device is used as a notification means, a vibrating element, for example, may be provided and notification may be performed with propagation of vibration to the user.
  • the controller 51 may prohibit electric power supply to the generator 111 A when the difference between the combined resistance value Rc and the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A is equal to or lower than a first predetermined threshold. Therefore, the flavor inhaler 100 may be not usable when the second unit 130 is not connected to the first unit 110 . Further, unlike the authentic second unit 130 , when an inauthentic part provided without the resistor 300 is connected to the first unit 110 , it is possible to prohibit the use of an inauthentic device by not supplying electric power to the generator 111 A.
  • the controller 51 may prohibit electric power supply to the generator 111 A when the difference between the combined resistance value Rc and the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold (which is greater than the above-described first threshold). Therefore, when a short-circuit is caused between the electric terminal 202 a and the electric terminal 202 b electric power supply to the generator 111 A can be stopped.
  • the controller 51 may stop electric power supply to the generator 111 A when the difference between the combined resistance value Rc and the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A is equal to or smaller than the above-described predetermined first threshold or equal to or greater than the above-described predetermined second threshold. Therefore, when an inauthentic product provided with a resistor having an electrical resistance value different from an electrical resistance value of the resistor 300 of an authentic product is connected to the first unit 110 , electric power supply to the generator 111 A can be prohibited.
  • the resistor 300 has a constant electrical resistance value.
  • the resistor 300 may be a variable resistor.
  • the electrical resistance value of the variable resistor continually or discontinuously varies depending on a depth (insertion length) that the second unit 130 is inserted into the first unit 110 in the predetermined direction A.
  • the variable resistor of which electrical resistance value is varied discontinuously may be formed by a plurality of resistors, for example. In this case, the number of resistors electrically connected to the electric circuit electrically connected to the generator 111 A is determined depending on the insertion length of the second unit 130 .
  • the controller 51 can detect the insertion length of the second unit 130 by detecting the combined resistance value Rc.
  • the controller 51 may control an amount of electric power E supplied to the resistance heating element 111 R.
  • a magnitude of the amount of electric power E supplied to the resistance heating element 111 R is defined by a voltage value V 1 applied to the resistance heating element 111 R and time T 1 at which the voltage is applied to the resistance heating element 111 R.
  • V 1 applied to the resistance heating element 111 R
  • T 1 time T 1 at which the voltage is applied to the resistance heating element 111 R.
  • the magnitude of the amount of electric power supplied to the resistance heating element 111 R is changed in accordance with the change of the value of the voltage applied to the resistance heating element 111 R or the duty ratio (i.e., the pulse width and the pulse intervals).
  • the amount of the inhalant ingredient generated by the generator 111 A can be controlled.
  • the controller 51 may control the amount of electric power so that the amount of electric power E supplied to the resistance heating element 111 R does not exceed a first threshold E MAX . More specifically, for example, the controller 51 controls the amount of electric power so that the amount of electric power E supplied to the resistance heating element 111 R exceeds a second threshold E MIN . When the amount of electric power (applied time) reaches an E MAX (T MAX ), the controller 51 finishes electric power supply to the resistance heating element 111 R.
  • the voltage value to be applied to the resistance heating element 111 R may be changed depending on whether the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 .
  • the controller 51 desirably controls so that the amount of electric power E supplied to the resistance heating element 1118 is kept to be constant.
  • V c is a reference voltage value of the battery, which is previously determined value depending on the type of the battery, etc. V c is a voltage at least higher than the final voltage of the battery.
  • Correction of the voltage applied to the resistance heating element 111 R is performed using, for example, a DC/DC converter.
  • the DC/DC converter may be a step-down type converter or may be a step-up type converter.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electric circuit of a flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment.
  • the same configurations as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Description of the same configurations as those of the first embodiment may be omitted.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 includes a resistor 300 that is conductively connected to a generator 111 A in parallel when a second unit 130 is connected to a first unit 110 .
  • the flavor inhaler 100 includes an electrical path 302 that electrically connects the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 in parallel, and a part of the electrical path 302 is provided in the second unit 130 .
  • the resistor 300 is provided on the second unit 130 side of the generator 111 A on the electrical path 302 .
  • the resistor 300 is provided in the first unit 110 .
  • a pair of electric terminals 203 a and 203 b of the second unit 130 is electrically connected to each other in an electrical resistance value smaller than an electrical resistance value of the resistor 300 .
  • a pair of electric terminals 203 a and 203 b may be electrically connected to conducting wire or a metal plate, etc. No resistor is provided between the pair of electric terminals 203 a and 203 b . Therefore, the second unit 130 causes a pair of electric terminals 202 a and 202 b of the first unit 110 to be conductively connected with each other when the second unit 130 is connected to the first unit 110 .
  • the flavor inhaler when the second unit 130 is connected to the first unit 110 , the pair of electric terminals 202 a and 203 b are conductively connected with each other and an electric circuit including the resistor 300 is formed. Therefore, when the second unit 130 is connected to the first unit 110 , the combined resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b of the battery unit 112 changes. Therefore, whether the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 can be detected in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
  • the flavor inhaler may become usable only when the second unit 130 is attached to the first unit 110 , or may become usable only in the first unit 110 .
  • the resistor 300 is connected to the electric terminal 202 a or 202 b of the first unit 110 . Therefore, when the electric terminals 202 a and 202 b of the first unit 110 are inadvertently short-circuited in a state in which the second unit 130 is not attached to the first unit 110 , the resistor 300 can function as a protecting means that prevents flowing of excessive electric current.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electric circuit of a flavor inhaler according to a third embodiment.
  • the same configurations as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Description of the same configurations as those of the first embodiment may be omitted.
  • a flavor inhaler 100 includes a resistor 300 that is conductively connected in series to a generator 111 A when a second unit 130 is connected to a first unit 110 .
  • the flavor inhaler 100 includes an electrical path 302 that electrically connects the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 in series, and a part of the electrical path 302 is provided in the second unit 130 .
  • the resistor 300 is provided in the second unit 130 .
  • the resistor 300 is connected to the generator 111 A in series. Therefore, a value of an electric current flowing the generator 111 A is substantially equal to a value of an electric current flowing the resistor 300 .
  • the flavor inhaler 100 is electrically connected in series with the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 , and may include a known resistor 310 having a known electrical resistance value.
  • the known resistor 310 is desirably provided in a battery unit 112 .
  • a voltage equivalent to a difference between an output voltage V OUT of the generator 111 A and a ground electrode is applied to the known resistor 310 .
  • a flavor inhaler may include a third unit 150 that is not a detection target.
  • the third unit 150 is used instead of the second unit 130 .
  • the third unit 150 is detachably connected to the first unit 110 .
  • the third unit 150 includes electric terminals 204 a and 204 b electrically connected to the electric terminals 202 a and 202 b of the first unit 110 .
  • the third unit 150 does not have a resistor between a pair of electric terminals 204 a and 204 b .
  • the third unit 150 may cause a pair of electric terminals 202 a and 202 b to be conductively connected with each other with an electrical resistance value smaller than an electrical resistance value of the resistor 300 of the second unit 130 .
  • the third unit 150 does not necessarily have to include a flavor source.
  • the third unit 150 may be a lid that can be simply attached to the first unit 110 .
  • the third unit 150 may form the mouthpiece.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 may be used without the second unit 130 .
  • the controller 51 detects a connection between the first unit 110 and the second unit 130 based on a difference between the combined resistance value Rc of the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 and the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A.
  • an electrical resistance value of an electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b of the battery unit 112 is the combined resistance value Rc (>R 1 ) of the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A and the electrical resistance value R 2 of the resistor 300 . Therefore, the controller 51 can detect whether the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 based on a difference between the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A and the combined resistance value Rc.
  • the controller 51 can detect whether the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 in the following manner. First, the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A when the third unit 150 is connected to the first unit 110 .
  • the electrical resistance value R 1 is stored in the memory of the controller 51 .
  • the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b at predetermined timing.
  • the electrical resistance value becomes the above-described combined resistance value Rc (>R 1 ) when the third unit is removed and the second unit 130 is connected to the first unit 110 .
  • the controller 51 detects an electrical resistance value larger than the electrical resistance value R 1
  • the controller 51 determines that the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 .
  • the controller 51 may determine that the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 when the controller 51 detects an electrical resistance value sufficiently larger than the electrical resistance value R 1 .
  • the timing at which the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b is desirably the timing at which a user performs an inhalation action. That is, the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value when the sensor 20 detects an inhalation action.
  • the controller 51 may measure an electrical resistance value of an electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b .
  • the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b may be measured in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
  • the electrical resistance value R 3 of the known resistor 310 may be in a range from 10 m ⁇ to 100 m ⁇ .
  • a ratio of the electrical resistance value of the resistor 300 with respect to the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A is preferably equal to or greater than 0.01, and more preferably equal to or greater than 0.05.
  • a ratio of the electrical resistance value of the resistor 300 with respect to the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A is preferably equal to or smaller than 0.25, and more preferably equal to or smaller than 0.1.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electric circuit of a flavor inhaler according to a fourth embodiment.
  • the same configurations as those of the fourth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Description of the same configurations as those of the fourth embodiment may be omitted.
  • a first unit 110 i.e., a generation unit 111 includes an information source 330 that holds an electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A or identification information correlated with an electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A.
  • the information source 330 may be, for example, memory electrically connected to the controller 51 .
  • the generation unit 111 further includes an electric terminal 201 c electrically connected to an anode of the battery 40 .
  • the electric terminal 201 c is electrically connectable to an electric terminal 200 c of the battery unit electrically connected to the controller 51 .
  • Memory is electrically connected to the battery 40 via electric terminals 201 b and 201 c of the generation unit 111 and the electric terminals 200 b and 200 c of the battery unit 112 .
  • the controller 51 detects a connection between the first unit 110 and the second unit 130 based on a difference between the combined resistance value Rc of the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 and the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A.
  • the controller 51 can detect as to whether the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 in the following manner.
  • the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b at predetermined timing.
  • the electrical resistance value becomes the combined resistance value Rc ( ⁇ R 1 ).
  • the controller 51 acquires the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A recorded in the information source 330 .
  • the controller 51 determines that the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 .
  • the controller 51 may determine that the second unit 130 has been connected to the first unit 110 when the controller 51 detects an electrical resistance value sufficiently smaller than the electrical resistance value R 1 .
  • the controller 51 may desirably acquire the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A from the information source 330 , it is not necessary to measure the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A.
  • the electrical resistance value of the known resistor 310 may be used to also measure the combined resistance value Rc of the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A and the electrical resistance value of the resistor 300 .
  • the information source 330 is memory electrically connected to the controller 51 , and the memory stores the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A.
  • the memory may store identification information correlated with information of the electrical resistance value R 1 .
  • the controller 51 desirably includes an outside access unit to access an external device like a communication terminal.
  • the outside access unit may be, for example, a module for connecting to a communication terminal in a wired connection, or a module for connecting to a communication terminal in a wireless connection.
  • the outside access unit reads identification information from memory 111 M and acquires an electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A from the external device using the read identification information.
  • the controller 51 can implement connection detection of the second unit 130 using the electrical resistance value R 1 .
  • the information source 330 is memory electrically connected to the controller 51 .
  • the information source 330 may be a medium provided in the generation unit 111 not electrically connected to the controller 51 .
  • the medium may be, for example, a paper medium on which identification information is displayed, e.g., a label to be attached outside the generation unit 111 .
  • the controller 51 desirably includes an outside access unit that accesses the external device like a communication terminal.
  • the external device acquires identification information from a paper medium by inputting identification information or reading identification information.
  • the controller 51 acquires information correlated with the identification information from the external device, that is, the electrical resistance value R 1 of the generator 111 A.
  • the controller 51 may perform a connection detection of the second unit 130 using the electrical resistance value R 1 .
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electric circuit of a flavor inhaler according to the fifth embodiment.
  • the same configurations as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Description of the same configurations as those of the first embodiment may be omitted.
  • a flavor inhaler 100 may include an amplifier circuit (not illustrated) like an operational amplifier for amplifying a potential difference between both ends of a known resistor 310 .
  • the flavor inhaler 100 includes a known resistor 310 which is the same as that illustrated in the first embodiment.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 includes a first electric current path 321 that generates an inhalant ingredient from an inhalant ingredient source, a second electric current path 323 that measures an electrical resistance value of a generator 111 A or a combined resistance value of the generator 111 A and a resistor 300 , and a switch means that can switch between the first electric current path 321 and the second electric current path 323 for selectively flowing an electric current therethrough.
  • a specific configuration of the switch means is not particularly limited.
  • a known resistor 310 similar to that described in the first embodiment may be arranged in the second electric current path 323 .
  • the switch means includes, as a specific example, a first switch 320 , and a second switch 322 connected to the first switch 320 in parallel.
  • the second switch 322 is connected to the known resistor 310 in series.
  • the first switch 320 and the second switch 322 may be, for example, an on/off switch. Switching between the first switch 320 and the second switch 322 is performed using the controller 51 .
  • the controller 51 may desirably flow the electric current on the second electric current path 323 by opening the first switch 320 and closing the second switch 322 . Therefore, the resistance value can be measured using the known resistor 310 .
  • the controller 51 may desirably flow the electric current on the second electric current path 322 by closing the first switch 320 and opening the second switch 322 . Therefore, since no electric current flows in the known resistor 310 when supplying electric power to the generator 111 A, loss of electric power can be reduced.
  • Timing at which the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b that is, timing at which the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value of the generator 111 A or the combined resistance value of the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 has been described in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating inhalation of the inhalant ingredient by a user.
  • the controller 51 opens the first switch 320 and closes the second switch 322 (step S 902 , S 904 ).
  • the controller 51 calculates the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b (the combined resistance value) the first switch 320 and the second switch 322 being closed (step S 906 ).
  • the controller 51 determines that the second unit 130 is connected normally (step S 908 ).
  • the controller 51 determines that the second unit 130 is not connected normally and the user is notified (step S 910 ).
  • a state in which the first switch 320 is opened is kept. Notification to the user may be performed by, for example, using the above-described notification means.
  • the controller 51 determines the amount of electric power to supply to the generator 111 A based on the electrical resistance value calculated in step S 906 (step S 912 ), and closes the first switch 320 and opens the second switch 322 (step S 914 ). Therefore, electric power supply to the generator 111 A is started and the inhalant ingredient source is generated from the generator 111 A.
  • step S 916 After electric power supply to the generator 111 A is started, it is determined as to whether electric power supply is finished (step S 916 ). Finish of electric power supply is determined by, for example, whether finish of the inhalation action by the user is detected, whether pressing of the press button by the user is released, whether a certain period of time elapsed since electric power supply is started, whether a predetermined amount of electric power has been supplied to the generator 111 A, and the like.
  • the controller 51 determines to finish the electric power supply, the controller 51 opens the first switch 320 and the second switch 322 , and finishes the electric power supply (step S 930 ).
  • the controller 51 may calculate the electrical resistance value (the combined resistance value) of the electric circuit periodically connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b during electric power supply to the generator 111 A. More specifically, the controller 51 opens the first switch 320 and closes the second switch 322 (step S 924 ), and calculates the electrical resistance value (the combined resistance value) of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b (step S 926 ). When the calculated electrical resistance value is within a predetermined range, the controller 51 closes the first switch 320 and opens the second switch 322 (step S 914 ) and continues electric power supply to the generator 111 A. When the calculated electrical resistance value is out of a predetermined range, the controller 51 keeps the first switch 320 opened and notifies the user (step S 910 ).
  • Timing at which the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value of the electric circuit connected to the electric terminal 200 a and the electric terminal 200 b that is, timing at which the controller 51 measures the electrical resistance value of the generator 111 A or the combined resistance value of the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 is not limited to the timing illustrated in the flow diagram in FIG. 9 .
  • the controller 51 may measure the electrical resistance value of the generator 111 A or the combined resistance value of the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 when the mode of the mode is switched from a sleep mode (a electric power-saving mode) in which no electric conduction of the generator 111 A is allowed in to a ready mode in which the generator 111 A is controllable.
  • the controller 51 may measure the electrical resistance value of the generator 111 A or the combined resistance value of the generator 111 A and the resistor 300 at timing at which an action for the user authentication is performed.
  • configurations described in each of the above embodiments may be combined and/or rearranged as much as possible.
  • a program for executing a method by the controller 51 described in each of the above embodiments may also be within the range of the invention.
  • the program may be stored in a recording medium.
  • the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium.
  • the second unit 130 includes the flavor source 132 .
  • the second unit 130 may include a generator of the same configuration as that of the generator 111 A. In that case, a flavor inhaler having a plurality of aerosol sources can be provided.
  • the second unit 130 may also be a mouthpiece unit including a mouthpiece.
  • the mouthpiece unit may or may not include the flavor source 132 .
  • the resistor 300 substantially does not contribute to heating of the flavor source.
  • the resistor 300 may be a resistance heating element used to heat the flavor source.
  • the resistance heating element may be wound around the cylindrical body 131 .
  • the cylindrical body 131 is desirably formed by a thermal conductive member.
  • the cylindrical body 131 itself may be formed by a material that functions as the resistor 300 having a predetermined electrical resistance value.
  • the resistance heating element desirably is a resistance heating element that does not substantially contribute to the generation of aerosol from the flavor source.
  • the flavor source is desirably heated at a temperature lower than either of a boiling point of the flavor ingredient contained in the flavor source or a thermal decomposition temperature of the flavor source.
  • a heating temperature of the flavor source with the resistance heating element is desirably 150 degrees C. or below.
  • the flavor inhaler may include a light emitting element, e.g., LED.
  • the light emitting element may be electrically connected to the controller 51 .
  • the flavor inhaler may notify that the second unit 130 is connected to the first unit 110 with light-emitting modes of the light emitting element.
  • the flavor inhaler may start driving of the generator 111 A based on the sensor 20 detecting the press button or inhalation by the user.

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US16/104,051 2016-02-16 2018-08-16 Non-combustion-type flavor inhaler, method, program, and recording medium Active 2037-12-08 US10966465B2 (en)

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WOPCT/JP2016/054488 2016-02-16
PCT/JP2016/054488 WO2017141359A1 (ja) 2016-02-16 2016-02-16 非燃焼型香味吸引器
PCT/JP2017/005563 WO2017141979A1 (ja) 2016-02-16 2017-02-15 非燃焼型香味吸引器、方法、プログラム及び記録媒体

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CA3089502C (en) 2018-01-26 2022-11-29 Japan Tobacco Inc. Aerosol generation device, and method and program for operating same
RU2747002C1 (ru) 2018-01-26 2021-04-23 Джапан Тобакко Инк. Аэрозольное устройство, способ приведения в действие аэрозольного устройства и компьютерно-читаемый носитель данных, хранящий программу для управления данным устройством
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TWI744466B (zh) * 2018-01-26 2021-11-01 日商日本煙草產業股份有限公司 霧氣生成裝置及霧氣生成裝置的製造方法
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